Ford Focus ST Built for the enthusiast

Fast and practical, the Ford Focus ST offers a no-compromise package for the performance car driver. Ford TeamRS, the company’s European based racing and performance arm, has developed a car that is ideal for the performance motorist, offers an extra dash of refinement and comes at an affordable price.

With its turbocharged, 166 kW, 2.5-litre, 5-cylinder, Duratec ST engine, the new Focus ST becomes the most powerful Ford Focus road car to date. Coupled with a slick-operating six-speed manual gearbox, the car is capable of a top speed in excess of 240 km/h and needs only 6,8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h.

Despite its large capacity, the turbocharged Duratec motor has been fine-tuned to offer optimal levels of fuel consumption in line with the vehicle’s sporting credentials. On the combined cycle run, fuel consumption was measured at 9.3l/100km. Spirited city driving will produce figures in the region of 13.8l/100km, while on the extra-urban run an impressive 6.8l/100km is attainable.

The ST’s handling has been specifically tailored to reward the enthusiast driver but at the same time allow for a refined driving experience. With stiffer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, increased ratio steering rack and a lower centre of gravity, the Focus ST delivers impressive grip and extraordinary road holding.

Driver aids have also been incorporated. Ford’s Antilock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) offers safe and controllable braking under extreme conditions. Ford’s Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system is also a standard feature on the Focus ST.

The ST is further set apart from its stablemates by its aggressive bumper enhancements as well as its colour-coded spoiler, mirrors, door handles and body side mouldings. Brushed aluminium accents and a chrome dual exhaust outlet are complemented by rear wheel arch spats and a purposeful tailgate spoiler, which provide both visual and aerodynamic effect.

The performance concept is immediately evident upon entering the cabin of the ST. Cosseting Recaro sports seats hint at the dynamic abilities of the car and provide optimal lateral supports during spirited driving.
Reminiscent of Ford’s World Rally Championship project, the Focus ST is available in both two- and four-door guise. The coupé version is recommended to retail at around R233 000 while the four-door will set you back R250 000. Service intervals are every 15 000 km.